He was the reluctant king - she was his decidedly reluctant bride. Yet together they led the nation through World War II and enjoyed a fulfilled and happy married life.
It was December 14, 1895. Queen Victoria was on the throne and the baby boy born on the Sandringham Estate - while a welcome addition to the royal family - was never expected to become king.
Known for his shyness, the young Duke of York would have been forgiven had he looked elsewhere when Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon rejected his first marriage proposal. Yet he asked twice more.!
The then Prince of Wales persuaded Lord Loughborough to play a round of golf with him so his brother Bertie could be alone with his wife Lady Sheila Loughborough.